GFW Day One

Ravensbourne started it all off on Monday, with a reputation for a great show and a number of GFW past winners, expectations were high. Dame Vivienne Westwood (eeek!) was just one of the front row-ers the 2010 bunch had some big boots to fill. And of course, they did just that. Wild colours, great patterns and amazing textures all strutted down the catwalk.

Next was Birmingham and Salisbury universities, who shared the catwalk carefully observed by Julien Macdonald who was sitting front row. Birmingham City University, staged a fun and eclectic show with fun knitwear and stunning neutral designs. Salisbury ended with a very nature themed show with lions and tigers in one collection and bear style hoods in another. A great use of creativity and use of different textures.

 

One of my favourite collections from Birmingham's Emily McNally -

lovelovelove those floral trousers!

The International Show was filled with everyone wanting to see what those from abroad had to offer UK fashion, and it did not disappoint! Switzerland, Amsterdam, Singapore, Hamburg and St. Petersburg were all show casing their talent, with great structural designs and a definite natural palate and all really truly showed why UK students should head abroad to study.

My fave international show, Denise Nadine Paché, AMD Akademie Mode and Design Munich,

 the colour scheme is bang on trend and I love the general style.

Northbrook and Salford followed the internationals with Northbrook exampling some gorgeous prints and shapes, as well as featuring the winner of the Women's Wear Award Rhea Fields. Salford's students created some amazing draped creations that fell beautifully as well as stand-out body shapes that could fall right onto Gaga.

Kingston's show was another big one for the day and personally showcased my absolute favourite show. The use of the flowing silk in Nathalie Tunna's collection really blew me away and I just adored the Chloe style dresses and colours. From Sport Luxe and Butterfly motifs to sumptuous Knitwear and graphic dresses, it really was a sight to see. (And most definitely my favourite University collection as a whole!)

For me, Nathalie Tunna was the best of the best from GFW.

Finally, my future University, UCA Rochester, showed their designs and after the winner of the River Island Gold Award last year, Myrto Stamou, was showcased here there was a lot to live up to. Much to the similarity of Stamou's winning collection, there was a lot of draping and pastel colours as well as a big injection of colour (mainly blood red) from Emma Box. However, the show did have a much less Grecian and more futuristic feel to the collections.

And that was the end of day 2! All in all a pretty good day.

E x